Blue Balloon Ram - (No Online Purchases)
This is a captivating and popular color and body-shape variant of the German Blue Ram (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi). It's characterized by its vibrant blue coloration and its distinctively rounded, "balloon" shaped body.
Here's a breakdown of the Blue Balloon Ram:
Key Characteristics:
- Appearance:
- Body Shape: The most striking feature is its shortened and rounded ("balloon") body shape. This is a genetic trait that gives them a somewhat plump appearance compared to the more streamlined standard German Blue Ram.
- Coloration: They exhibit a beautiful intense blue coloration across their body, often with iridescent scales that shimmer under the right lighting. They retain the characteristic black spot on the mid-body and the reddish or pink blush on the belly (especially in females), but these colors can be more muted against the blue.
- Fins: Their fins are often translucent with hints of blue or yellow. The first few rays of the dorsal fin are typically elongated.
- Eyes: They have dark eyes.
- Temperament: Like standard German Blue Rams, Blue Balloon Rams are generally peaceful and can be kept in community tanks with other non-aggressive fish of similar size and temperament. They can be slightly territorial, especially during breeding, but serious aggression is rare.
- Size: Due to their altered body shape, they might not grow quite as long as standard German Blue Rams, typically reaching around 4-6 cm (1.5-2.4 inches). Their rounder body can make them appear larger.
- Tank Requirements:
- A minimum tank size of 40-60 liters (10-15 gallons) is recommended for a single pair.
- They prefer a well-planted tank with a soft substrate (like sand) and plenty of hiding places provided by driftwood, rocks, and caves.
- Good water quality is crucial. They are sensitive to poor water conditions.
- Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 26-30°C (79-86°F) (slightly warmer than some other tropical fish). Given your location in Caboolture, Queensland, Australia, maintaining this temperature might require a heater, especially during cooler months.
- pH: 5.5-7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral).
- GH (General Hardness): 5-15 dGH (soft to moderately soft).
- KH (Carbonate Hardness): 1-5 dKH (low alkalinity).
- Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm.
- Nitrate: <20 ppm (regular water changes are essential).
- Diet: They are omnivores and will accept a variety of small, high-quality foods. Their diet should include a good quality flake or pellet food as a staple, supplemented with live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, and finely chopped vegetables.
- Compatibility: They are generally compatible with other peaceful community fish such as small tetras, rasboras, dwarf gouramis, and Corydoras catfish. Avoid keeping them with large or boisterous fish that might intimidate them or compete aggressively for food.
- Breeding: Blue Balloon Rams can be bred in the aquarium under the right conditions, similar to standard German Blue Rams. They are substrate spawners and will lay their eggs on flat surfaces like rocks or driftwood. Both parents typically exhibit parental care. However, due to their modified body shape, they might sometimes experience more difficulty with swimming and parental duties compared to their standard counterparts.
Important Considerations:
- Potential Health Issues: The "balloon" body shape, while aesthetically pleasing to some, can sometimes be associated with potential health issues or a slightly shortened lifespan compared to standard German Blue Rams. It's important to source them from reputable breeders or stores that prioritize healthy fish.
- Swimming Ability: Their rounder body can make them slightly less agile swimmers than standard Rams. Ensure they are not in tanks with very strong currents.
In summary, the Blue Balloon Ram is a beautiful and generally peaceful dwarf cichlid that adds a unique shape and vibrant blue color to a planted aquarium. Providing them with warm, soft, slightly acidic water, a varied diet, and peaceful tank mates will help them thrive. Be mindful of potential health considerations associated with their body shape.
Colouration and Varieties
Blue Balloon Rams originate from selectively bred variant of the German Blue Ram.
